Rookies on the Spruce Grove Saints this year will be anything but inexperienced.

A mix-of-17-year-olds will join the vastly experienced 2019-20, but for many of them, this will not be their first rodeo.

“It’s good that we know the guys. We’ve got a little chemistry with them, and we know the system. It’s definitely helped us transition into the league,” said forward Graham Gamache.

Gamache and defenceman Logan Acheson and Ethan Edwards, all spent time with the team last year as affiliates, filling the roles of the injured players they replaced seamlessly. They have shown no signs of slowing down this season either.

“There are definitely habits they are going to have to work on in the first few months or so, but they’re going to be not only able to play but they’re going to establish themselves pretty quick,” said head coach Bram Stephen.

Gamache provided some offence, picking up three goals and was sound defensively, while Edwards gave nothing up from the back end and contributed one assist through 10 games. Acheson added two assists.

They were all present at times throughout the Saints’ playoff run, and they all know what it means to go through the day to day grind of playing in the AJHL, even if only in small sample sizes. They will be looking to make an impact both on and off the ice.

“We have quite a few vets coming back that make the transition from midget AAA to junior easier,” said Edwards. “We’re excited to get going. The preseason is huge for us because we get that first opportunity to play within our game, against their systems.”

Edwards and Acheson will join Cameron Chin, Ryan Harker, Jaxsen Wyatt, and Riley Bodnarchuk rounding out the team’s top six defenceman on opening day Zachary Douglas will start the season with the team as well.

“We want to make a mark on the league. We’re always going to be a faster team out there and we’re never going to back down from a fight. We want to establish that right off the bat,” said Edwards.

Gamache will join a slew of experienced Saints on offence, with room for a few more 17 year olds in the offensive lineup.

As it stands, forwards Liam Hughes, Logan Lorenz and Carter Myrol are listed on the team’s roster.

“Up front I would say the competition is still pretty steep,” said Stephen.